By | Arvind Jadhav
Mumbai: Political heat is rising in Maharashtra after senior Congress leader Bhai Jagtap declared that the Congress will contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on its own, without allying with either Shiv Sena (UBT) or MNS.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Jagtap said the sentiment among Congress workers is clear — the party wants to fight on its own strength and not depend on others. His statement comes amid ongoing discussions over a possible UBT–MNS–Congress understanding for civic polls in Mumbai and Thane.
Jagtap’s remarks have stirred the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) camp. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant responded sharply, saying Jagtap is “not authorised” to take such decisions, while UBT spokesperson Sanjay Raut maintained that alliance talks are still on track.
Within Congress, Mumbai regional chief Varsha Gaikwad clarified that Jagtap’s statement was his personal opinion, and that the final decision will be taken by the party high command in Delhi.
Sources say the Congress leadership is divided over including Raj Thackeray’s MNS in any joint front. A section fears that such a tie-up may alienate the party’s north-Indian and minority vote base in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, UBT and MNS leaders continue exploring a seat-sharing understanding for Thane and parts of Mumbai, projecting it as a tactical alliance against the BJP.
As things stand, the opposition camp is visibly split — UBT seeks a broad anti-BJP alliance, MNS is undecided on joining hands with Congress, and Congress itself is debating whether to go solo or stay within the MVA umbrella.
Political observers say Bhai Jagtap’s “solo call” has added a fresh twist to Maharashtra’s civic poll equation, with the final call expected after Diwali once the Congress high command reviews all regional inputs.
